Auckland, New Zealand – The 2025 Pacific Music Awards (PMA) illuminated the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau on Thursday, August 21st, celebrating 21 years of recognizing exceptional Pacific musical talent. The milestone event brought together industry heavyweights, emerging stars, families, and the broader community for a vibrant showcase of Pacific artistry and cultural impact across Aotearoa and beyond.
Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua, spokesperson for the Pacific Music Awards Trust, underscored the significance of the occasion, stating that the 2025 Pacific Music Awards were celebrating their “21st birthday anniversary, taking on responsibilities and new beginnings.” The evening was described as a fusion of “faith, funk, and female fire,” delivering “harmony, rhythm, and soul” to a captivated audience.
A Night of Dominant Voices and Diverse Wins
Shane Walker emerged as a dominant force at the 2025 Pacific Music Awards, securing multiple prestigious accolades. The artist was honored with the NZ Music Commission Best Pacific Male Artist award, the APRA Best Pacific Song for his track “Believe,” and the SunPix People’s Choice Award – Best Pacific Artist. Walker’s success highlighted his distinctive raspy voice and versatile storytelling.
Equally celebrated was Aaradhna, who continued to solidify her legacy as one of the most soulful voices in Pacific music. She received the Auckland Council Best Pacific Female Artist award for her album, “Sweet Surrender.” Additionally, Aaradhna was recognized for her collaboration with Savage on the NZ On Air Streaming Award-winning track, “They Don’t Know.”
Hip Hop, Soul, and Gospel Highlights
The music awards celebrated a diverse array of genres, with hip hop artists making a significant mark. Kenzie, hailing from Welly, was named ONErpm Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist for her empowering tracks “Hold Ya Head” and “Queendom.” Her win signifies the growing influence of female voices within the Pacific hip hop scene.
Sam V maintained an impressive winning streak, claiming the RNZ Best Pacific Soul/RnB Artist award for the fourth consecutive year for his smooth sounds, “90’s Fine” and “Rolling Your Eyes.” He also shared the MPG Aotearoa / SAE Creative Media Institute Best Producer award alongside collaborators Astro and EDYONTHEBEAT. Brotherhood Musiq received the 531pi Best Pacific Gospel Artist award for their uplifting worship song, “Open The Eyes of My Heart,” marking a notable achievement as first-time nominees.
Honoring Language, Legacy, and Innovation
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of The Ministry for Pacific Peoples Lifetime Achievement Award to Opetaia Foa’i. Foa’i, a pioneering artist and cultural ambassador, has dedicated over three decades to promoting Pacific stories, languages, and identity through his music, most notably as the founder of Te Vaka and a core songwriter for Disney’s Moana franchise. His work has brought Pacific languages to global charts and introduced millions to the heart and soul of Oceania. Opetaia Foa’i and Moana 2 Artists were also recognized with the Pacific Media Network Best Pacific Language Award for their culturally-rich compositions.
Other special recognition awards included the Creative New Zealand Award presented posthumously to Chris Ta’aloga Faiumu, also known as DJ Mu, for his lasting contributions to Pacific music production. BLK Entertainment received the Arch Angel Independent Music Award, and DJ K-SWIZZ was honored with the Matai Special Recognition Award. Tributes were also paid to the late George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso and DJ Mu, acknowledging their significant impact on the Pacific music community.
Rising Stars and International Reach
The night also celebrated emerging talents and artists making waves globally. The tranquil trio A.R.T, from Porirua, claimed two accolades: the FLAVA Best Pacific Group and the NZ On Air Radio Airplay Award for their bilingual Gagana Sāmoa hit, “When He Was Mine (Pele Fo’i Mai).” Members Anastasia, Rosetta, and T-R3X expressed their gratitude, dedicating the awards to their home, creative team, and parents. Rosetta shared aspirations for A.R.T to become a beacon for other young girls, inspired by past Pacific female artists.
Jordyn with a Why received the Recorded Music NZ Te Tino Pukaemi Moana Nui A Kiwa O Te Tau/Best Pacific Music Album award for “Hibiscus Moon, Love & Justice.” Nelz was recognized with The Phillip Fuemana Award for Most Promising Pacific Artist. Cementing the international reach of Pacific music, South West Sydney’s The 046 was awarded Niu FM Best International Pacific Artist, acknowledging their dynamic catalogue of tracks. Tha Movement’s “The Lecture,” directed by Samson Rambo, won the NZ On Air Best Pacific Music Video award.
The Enduring Spirit of Pacific Music
The 2025 Pacific Music Awards underscored the vital role of these awards in fostering talent and preserving cultural heritage. The Pacific Music Awards Trust, established in 2008, continues its core objective to acknowledge success, promote excellence, and encourage young Pacific musicians. The Trust was heartened by a record number of entries, including 15 first-time finalists across 13 categories, signaling a vibrant growth within the Pacific music community and a new wave of artists stepping into the spotlight.
Beyond the annual event, the Pacific Music Awards Trust is actively involved in the Hiva Folau Vaka project, a legacy initiative focused on the revitalization of Pacific languages through music. This project supports the creation of new original songs in languages like Vagahau Niue, Te Gagana Tokelau, and Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, with a compilation album slated for release later this year. Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua noted the PMAs’ honor of Matariki, the Māori New Year, with its theme of inclusion and unity, celebrating the rich cultural traditions and languages present in Pacific music.
The 2025 Pacific Music Awards served as a powerful reminder of the strength, beauty, and unifying power of Pacific voices, affirming its status as a premier Pacific music event in Auckland and across New Zealand.
